Sanford, North Carolina

Murder suspect faces death before Lee County jury

The trial for a man accused of shooting his estranged girlfriend to death in 2010 has been under way in Lee County for nearly two months, courthouse and law enforcement sources have confirmed to the Rant.

Isaac Jackson Jr. could face the death penalty if he’s convicted of killing 33-year-old Shamekia Griffin in her home on Mahogony Court in Sanford. According to a WRAL report from 2010, Jackson is alleged to have come to the home on Nov. 19 and shot Griffin to death, even after her 15-year-old son begged Jackson not to.

Jackson’s defense team consists of Bob Trinkle of Chatham County and Fred Webb of Sanford. Lee County prosecutors Mike Beam and Matt Craven represent the state.

Griffin. Source: WRAL

Jury selection in the case, which the Sanford Herald identified in March 2014 (subscription required) as one of two murder cases in Lee County with the longest wait to go to trial, began back in April. Three groups of prospective jurors came to the courthouse between April 22 and May 4 before a final jury could be impaneled.

According to courthouse sources, the state has finished its presentation of evidence. The defense has been calling witnesses for several days.

If convicted, the jury will have to decide if Jackson will face life in prison or the death penalty.